When you turn 65, you face an important decision: Should you choose Traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

Having real choice starts with having all the facts. Taking the time to weigh your options can ensure you maintain access to the doctors you trust and the care you need close to home.

Freedom of Choice Matters

One of the biggest differences between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage is provider access.

  • Traditional Medicare works with nearly every hospital and doctor in the country.
  • Medicare Advantage plans limit your care to doctors and hospitals within their network.

In fact, less than half of U.S. doctors accept patients from any Medicare Advantage plan. That means you could lose access to your long-term provider simply because they aren’t part of the plan’s chosen network.

For Hereford residents, this could mean traveling to Lubbock or Amarillo to see a doctor you could have visited here at home under Traditional Medicare.

What Medicare Advantage Means in Hereford

Medicare Advantage plans don’t just decide which doctors you can see, they also choose which therapists, home health providers, and hospitals you can use.

That means:

  • If your doctor isn’t in the plan’s network, you’ll need to find a new one.
  • If your specialist isn’t covered, you may have to travel long distances.
  • If you’re away visiting family, your care may not be covered outside your network.

By design, these restrictions can make healthcare harder to access.

Continuity of Care for Chronic Conditions

For those managing long-term health needs, consistency matters.

Because Medicare Advantage networks can change year to year, patients may lose access to the providers who know them best. This disrupts continuity of care, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or COPD, where stable relationships with providers are critical.

“We want our patients to know what they’re signing up for,” said Candice R. Smith, MSN, RHCNOC, CCRN, RACR, CEO of Deaf Smith County Hospital District. “With Traditional Medicare, your care stays close to home. With Medicare Advantage, you may lose access to trusted doctors and services here in Hereford.”

Questions to Ask Before You Decide

If you’re considering Medicare Advantage, protect yourself by asking:

  • Does this plan include my current doctor and hospital?
  • Are local specialists, like home health providers or podiatrists, covered?
  • What happens if I need care while traveling or visiting family?
  • Are rehab and therapy services covered after a hospital stay?

Make the Best Choice for You

Medicare Advantage isn’t automatically wrong, it can work for some. But it is very different from Traditional Medicare. The key is understanding how each option affects your care locally, especially here in Hereford.

👉 If you’re weighing your Medicare choices, talk with your Hereford provider before you decide. Bring your questions to your next appointment or call us at 806-364-7512.

We’re here to help you understand your options so you can make the best choice for your health and your future.

Click here for additional Medicare resources: https://dschd.org/medicare/